Blocked by US visas welcomed by France: Grenoble B-School steps up; launches emergency admissions pathway

Time of India

a day ago

Amid tightening visa regulations and prolonged delays in the United States, several international students have found themselves unable to pursue their education plans as scheduled.
In a bold and timely move, a French business school, Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), is stepping in to provide a lifeline.
GEM has launched fast-track admissions pathways for students whose US study plans have been derailed. This move by the GEM comes in as a relief for international students as other schools are also expected to follow suit, offering alternative options to international students stuck with uncertainty in the US.
Over the past few weeks, Asian countries including Japan and Hong Kong have also extended hands to global students struck by the Trump administration's visa blows. The implications of these helping hands point towards a much broader change in the global education map.
What the French business school is offering
Grenoble Ecole de Management has emerged as one of the first movers, announcing 'fast-tracking' of visa applications for students affected by the recent US immigration policy changes. Fouziya Bouzerda, Director General of GEM, made an official LinkedIn post regarding the same:
An accelerated application process, with decisions being made within days.
Waivers on certain application requirements, such as standardized test scores or letters of recommendation, in some cases.
Rolling admissions and flexible start dates to accommodate late arrivals.
Personalized assistance with student visa processing for
France
.
This is not the first time French schools have responded swiftly.
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In 2020, several institutions had similarly adjusted their calendars and policies to accommodate students during the pandemic-driven travel disruptions.
Moreover, for Indian students interested in studying in France, the visa process has been made much easier, owing to the French government's target to invite 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
What prompted the French initiative?
Over recent months, international students headed to the U.S. have faced:
Severe delays in visa processing, especially for F-1 and
J-1 visa
categories.
Last-minute cancellations or no available interview slots at U.S. embassies and consulates.
Heightened scrutiny and administrative hurdles, particularly for students from South and Southeast Asia.
These issues left many students—especially those from India, China, and other parts of Asia—scrambling for alternative plans.
The situation came to a head as classes at many U.S. institutions were set to begin without certainty of arrival.
Recognizing the need for urgent solutions, GEM and other French schools have created a specialized admissions route for these affected students. This allows students to pivot quickly and avoid losing a full academic year.
Why France?
France is increasingly positioning itself as a serious alternative to traditional destinations like the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. Key advantages include:
Affordable tuition and living costs compared to Anglo-American counterparts.
A growing number of English-taught programs, especially at business schools and engineering grandes écoles.
Post-study work opportunities, recently expanded by the French government to 5 years for master's degree graduates from French institutions.
Schengen access: Graduates who study even one semester in France are now eligible for a 5-year short-term Schengen visa, facilitating easier mobility across Europe.
The French government has also simplified visa processes for Indian students under bilateral education initiatives.
These changes are driving a surge of interest from Indian, Chinese, Nigerian, and Middle Eastern students, many of whom are disillusioned by the uncertainty in the U.S. and UK.
Broader Implications
This move marks a strategic win for France's higher education sector. While U.S. institutions are battling a decline in foreign enrollments due to policy headwinds, France is using this window to:
Attract high-caliber students from emerging markets.
Strengthen its global academic reputation.
Diversify its international student population beyond Francophone regions.
According to recent trends, France has witnessed double-digit growth in international student applications—particularly to elite business schools like HEC Paris, ESSEC, EDHEC, and GEM.
As the U.S. continues to struggle with bureaucratic inefficiencies and geopolitical considerations in its visa issuance, France has stepped in to offer an inclusive, responsive, and pragmatic solution.
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